"The constraints put on by the government have stopped the employers from making a reasonable offer, so we have to raise the profile of the dispute again," he added.

Delegates said talks would be a waste of time as employers had made it clear they would be sticking to an 11% offer over two years but linked to modernisation.

The union will also press ahead with two 48-hour strikes on January 28 and February 1.

Union leaders from across the country, including Merseyside FBU chairman I an Foulkes, were in London to review tactics in their 40% pay dispute for a £30,000 basic salary.

Mr Foulkes said his members were " very angry" at the lack of progress.

National union leaders suspended strike action last month to build a dialogue with employers.

Employers were expected to table a 4% offer next week, followed by a further 7% later in the year in return for modern isati o n and changing work practices recommended in the recently published Bain report, which will be strongly resisted by firefighters.